UAE Stands with Sudan, Mourns Victims of Darfur Landslide

UAE Extends Condolences as Devastating Landslide Claims Over 1,000 Lives in Sudan's Darfur Region

The United Arab Emirates has expressed solidarity with Sudan following a catastrophic landslide in the Darfur region that killed more than 1,000 people and completely destroyed the village of Terseen, east of Jebel Marra. The disaster highlights Sudan's vulnerability to natural disasters amid ongoing political instability and humanitarian challenges.

Massive Loss of Life in Remote Darfur Village

The landslide struck the village of Terseen in the mountainous Jebel Marra area, a region already scarred by decades of conflict. The complete destruction of the settlement represents one of Sudan's deadliest natural disasters in recent years, with the death toll exceeding 1,000 residents.

Jebel Marra, located in central Darfur, is known for its volcanic terrain and seasonal rainfall patterns that can trigger geological instability. The remote location of affected areas often complicates rescue operations and accurate casualty reporting in Sudan's conflict-affected regions.

Regional Diplomatic Response

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal statement expressing "sincere condolences and solidarity with the brotherly Sudanese people" and reaffirming the Emirates' commitment to supporting Sudan during these difficult circumstances.

This diplomatic gesture reflects the UAE's broader engagement strategy across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, where Abu Dhabi has maintained active diplomatic and economic interests despite regional instability.

Sudan's Compounding Crises

The landslide disaster occurs as Sudan grapples with multiple overlapping crises. Since the military coup in October 2021, the country has faced economic collapse, widespread civil unrest, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. International aid flows have been severely constrained, leaving communities particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.

Darfur, specifically, has endured over two decades of conflict since 2003, displacing millions and weakening local infrastructure. The region's limited emergency response capabilities mean that natural disasters like landslides can have disproportionately devastating impacts on rural communities.

Climate and Geological Vulnerabilities

Sudan's geographic position makes it susceptible to extreme weather events, including floods during rainy seasons and drought during dry periods. The Jebel Marra volcanic field, while providing fertile soil for agriculture, also creates conditions where heavy rainfall can trigger deadly landslides in populated areas.

Climate change patterns in East Africa have intensified rainfall variability, potentially increasing the frequency and severity of such geological disasters across the region, from Ethiopia's highlands to Sudan's mountainous areas.

International Aid and Response Challenges

Sudan's current political isolation limits international humanitarian response capabilities. Western sanctions and suspended aid programs following the military takeover have reduced the country's disaster preparedness infrastructure precisely when such capabilities are most needed.

Regional partners like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have maintained some level of engagement with Sudan's military leadership, positioning them as potential channels for emergency assistance in situations like the Terseen landslide tragedy.